An Astoria-based Thai spot is bringing a location to Manhattan. Kam Rai Thai will be opening up in Time Out Market New York City, Union Square, expected to be open this fall.
Chef Dhanapol “Oak” Marprasert and Jiraporn “Jina” Tisopa are behind the spot, known for menu items like grilled pork buns and pad see ew. The location in the forthcoming Time Out Market will feature a limited menu of popular items from their original location. Expect to see the grilled pork buns and pad see ew in addition to menu offerings like Khao Soi (with confit chicken in coconut curry) and Hat Yai fried chicken with sticky rice.
“We’re excited to bring our food to [Manhattan],” Tisopa said in a phone call with What Now New York. “At Kam Rai Thai, we offer regional Thai cuisine and we want to represent our food from Thailand in New York City.”
Marprasert was born in Washington, D.C. but grew up in Bangkok. When building the Kam Rai Thai brand, Marprasert drew on his knowledge and experiences with Thai cuisine.
“Kam Rai Thai is more than just food. With Marprasert’s culinary creativity in the kitchen and Tisopa’s warmth and hospitality leading the front of house, the brand reflects a true partnership in life and business,” the Time Out Market website states. “Their approach blends authenticity with accessibility, making every plate both familiar and transporting. For Union Square, Kam Rai Thai brings not only some of New York’s best Thai food, but also a story rooted in family, tradition and passion for hospitality.”
Kam Rai Thai opened in Astoria in 2023, and Marprasert also opened a new restaurant, Samsaen, at Hudson Yards earlier this year.
Other tenants heading to Time Out Market New York City, Union Square, include Brooklyn-based pizza spot Fornino, Kebabawala from the Unapologetic Foods team, Taqueria El Chato, Staten Island-based Paninoteca by Anthony, chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Patty Palace and Bushwick’s Lori Jayne.
